Nakisa Bidarian confirms Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua remain set to fight, saying there is an agreement in principle despite recent setbacks
Nakisa Bidarian has insisted that a blockbuster fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua remains on the horizon, despite a string of reported setbacks and scheduling detours.
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Bidarian, cofounder of Most Valuable Promotions, made the revelation at the launch press conference for Paul’s exhibition with Gervonta Davis, which is due to take place on 14 November in New York.
He told assembled media that discussions over a Paul v Joshua showdown are far from dead. “We have an agreement in principle,” he said, confirming what many fans and pundits have long hoped for.
The potential matchup has been dogged by obstacles. Earlier reports suggested broadcasting rights were a sticking point, with Joshua bound by an exclusive deal with DAZN.
That complication, coupled with last-minute scheduling moves, appeared to push the contest further down the line.
Paul’s new exhibition against Davis only intensified speculation about whether the Joshua fight would ever materialise.
Yet Bidarian’s comments suggest promoters are still pursuing the bout. When pressed by a Seconds Out host to clarify what he meant by agreement in principle, Bidarian was blunt:
“To fight each other.” Paul himself fuelled the narrative on social media, declaring his intention to “kill David” and then “slaughter Goliath”, language that underlines his determination to secure high-profile opponents.
For Joshua the attraction of a crossover contest is obvious. The Brit remains one of boxing’s biggest names and a fight with Paul would carry enormous commercial value.
For Paul, a victory over Joshua would be the most significant in his transition from influencer fights to mainstream boxing prestige.
Promoters will need to resolve commercial and broadcast issues to finalise a date and venue.
Until then fans will watch closely as Paul prepares for Davis and the wider boxing world waits to see whether the so-called agreement in principle can be converted into a signed contract.
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Nakisa Bidarian’s confirmation keeps hope alive for what would be one of the year’s most talked about fights. Whether the parties can iron out the remaining obstacles remains to be seen, but for now the prospect endures.
